2 days ago
Solomon Islands: HKH Constituency 2025 Development Pathway Targets Empowering Communities
The Hograno-Kia-Havulei (HKH) Constituency is charting a development pathway aimed at empowering communities through strategic investments in the productive sector.
Utilising the Constituency Development Funds (CDF), the initiative seeks to stimulate the local economy, improve livelihoods, and elevate socio-economic conditions at the rural level.
HKH Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Apollos Manegere underscored this vision during a recent meeting with community-based Constituency Development Committees (CDCs) in Kaevanga and Kia, Isabel Province.
Accompanied by a team from the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Mr. Manegere outlined a holistic approach to rural development, integrating social, economic, and environmental components with a focus on sustainability, community-driven solutions, and infrastructure improvements.
"Enabling local communities to identify their needs and implement solutions is vital for ownership and long-term success," Mr. Manegere said.
"Our constituency office will continue to engage with the CDC to ensure the effective implementation of the 2025 CDF program."
The HKH Constituency has prioritised the productive sector, allocating 40 per cent of its 2024 budget of $3.88 million to projects that generate economic returns.
"We have abundant resources in fisheries, marine, agriculture, and forestry. By leveraging CDF support, we aim to inject investment capital into rural areas, reduce poverty, and enhance livelihoods," Mr. Manegere explained.
'Investments in agriculture and fisheries are expected to increase incomes and improve the quality of life for constituents. This aligns with our vision to foster economic growth and self-reliance," he added.
Under the new CDF Act 2023, the HKH Constituency is committed to ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of development programs.
The Act introduces key changes, including the establishment of CDCs, which play a pivotal role in coordinating, endorsing, and monitoring CDF projects.
"The CDCs are critical stakeholders in this process, with clearly defined responsibilities under the new law," Mr. Manegere emphasised. CDC functions include:
• Coordinating constituency development programs.
• Approving annual budgets.
• Managing CDF funds in consultation with the Member of Parliament and the Constituency Office.
• Monitoring and supervising project implementation.
• Engaging with communities to develop tailored development plans.
MRD's Principal Legal Officer, Ms. Diana Alasia who was also part of the team, highlighted the CDF Act's emphasis on transparency, accountability, and community participation.
"The law mandates inclusive decision-making, requiring at least two women to serve on each CDC. It also ensures project recipients uphold their commitments through legally binding agreements," she said.
Mr. Manegere expressed gratitude to the Solomon Islands Government and the Ministry of Rural Development for their unwavering support of the CDF program.
"This national initiative enables constituencies to access vital funds for development, directly benefiting our rural people," he noted.
The Constituency Development Program, administered by MRD, is implemented across all 50 constituencies in the Solomon Islands to improve socio-economic outcomes nationwide.
